Film Review: The Nice Guys Prove To Be Funny Ones, As Well!
The Nice Guys is a hilariously, smart comedy that assures viewers a great time at the movies. Most people journey to the cinema after work, and are hesitant to spend a 15 dollar ticket on just any film. Trust me, when I say The Nice Guys are worth the money you will pay.
The film takes place in 1970’s Los Angeles, and perfectly captures the sunny yet gritty feel of the era. There is something deliciously dirty about the the Nice Guys’ humor and lush perspective on this cultural epoch. From the beginning, the film makes note that it does not mind your “sensibilities”. It has nudity, violence, sex, but an oddly innocent humor. The jokes are far from vicious and completely witty, which elevates its intelligent, feel-good vibe. Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling are an oddly dynamic pair. Kudos must be given to casting director Sarah Finn, for again, proving she can see chemistry between actors that most would not recognize.
Ryan Gosling is genius as private investigator Holland March, while Russell Crowe adds another layered performance to his repertoire as hired enforcer Jackson Healy. March is painfully wrong, for the most part, on his detective “hunches”, which allows Gosling to shine his comedic light. He, literally, headlines every scene-stealing, side-splitting moment of joy. Fans of his will be elated to see how good Gosling is in this film, and the new layers of his talent he reveals through this role. For some reason, you can feel his personal enthusiasm for this excellent part and want to applaud what he does with it. While Crowe proves that he can bring out vulnerability from a rock. Healy can be brutish and cold, but Crowe gives him a subtle softness. It is those rare moments of beating heart that make Healy a surprising hero to himself and viewers. Ultimately, when the pair unite the screen feels like laughing lightning. The comedy becomes electric and you cannot stop watching this duo try to figure out the case of a missing girl through awkward, absurd situations.
The screenplay of this film is intellectual gold. The film is the perfect combination of wry and sweet thanks to the stellar writing of Anthony Bargozzi and director Shane Black. What they have achieved with this film is a detective story that is fluid, fun, and absolutely charming. The film never has a down, boring moment. On the contrary, it has a few nerve-racking scenes that make you want to leap onto the screen and help “the nice guys” beat the bad ones. Film Editor Joel Negron did a stunning job of asserting that each minute of this 1 hour and 56 minute film felt necessary and desired by the audience. Warner Brothers has made a great comedic film, and one that feels worthy of viewers and the cinema.
It can feel rare that you get a movie that is consistently good throughout its screen-time. Even the best films out there, do not always maintain complete interest in their characters’ filmed journey. Thus, The Nice Guys reminds you how its feels to want to spiritually and mentally invest in a film. For its near two hours, you learn that heroes can come in human form and use their flaws as makeshift superpowers. The motto of the film is that these “nice guys” are not so nice. Yet. by the end of this film, you realize that they are sweethearts, whom are far from perfect, but are trying their best. Hence, a very human, relatable theme with a very funny take.
Should you see The Nice Guys in Theaters? Absolutely, Yes!
